The verse we look at is from the Gospel of Luke 6:47-48. We have it in 3 versions.
I will show you what it’s like when someone comes to me, listens to my teaching, and then follows it. It is like a person building a house who digs deep and lays the foundation on solid rock. When the floodwaters rise and break against that house, it stands firm because it is well built. (version NLT)
Let me describe the one who truly follows me and does what I say: He is like a man who chooses the right place to build a house and then lays a deep and secure foundation. When the storms and floods rage against that house, it continues to stand strong and unshaken through the tempest, for he built it wisely on the right foundation. (version TPT)
For everyone who comes to Me and listens to My words [in order to heed their teaching] and does them, I will show you what he is like: He is like a man building a house, who dug and went down deep and laid a foundation upon the rock; and when a flood arose, the torrent broke against that house and could not shake or move it, because it had been securely built or founded on a rock. (version AMPC)
Most often, we judge based on what we see. What is not seen when ignored can result in our failure.
Here Jesus speaks about two houses that were built. In terms of outward appearance, facade, sizes of rooms, comfort, both houses looked similar. But what was not seen was the foundation on which the houses were built. One house had its foundation go deep and built over a solid rock foundation. The resources which go into a strong foundation do not show up when you look at the buildings. As all the foundation work is hidden underground, not to be seen by anyone.
Can we ignore what can not get noticed? Do we value what is not seen? Only when extreme weather conditions come are the houses tested for stability. The house with poor foundation got washed away, while the house built over the rock stands firm.
Both of these houses have hardly any difference on a normal sunny day.
The same case with the people whom you come across in your life. Many people can have cheerful social media posts, posts showcasing celebration, peace and joy. While the reality of the lives of many can be strong and sound relationship with God and family, for others it can be empty lives, broken relationships, meaningless lives without Jesus Christ as Lord and saviour.
Only with a strong relationship with Jesus Christ can we have a strong foundation. When the floods come, houses built on weak foundations get washed away.
Similarly, when great trials of life come along the way, people who have a strong foundation can experience resilience, and can stand strong in spite of challenges. While people without a relationship with Jesus Christ can be crushed!
Here are a few verses from the Bible. As people who choose to read and hear the words of Jesus in order to heed their teaching and follow them, we can understand clearly why they do not get affected!
A person who hears Jesus and follows his teachings gets discernment to choose what is the will of God, which is good, acceptable and perfect. Discernment leads you to make the right decisions. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. (reference Romans 12:2)
A person who follows Jesus will be secure. Whoever walks in integrity walks securely, but he who makes his ways crooked will be found out. (reference Proverbs 10:9)
A person who puts into practice what Jesus says will remain steadfast in trials, will receive the crown of life. Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him. (reference Proverbs 10:9)
We are able to draw near to God through Jesus Christ. Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” (reference John 14:6)
When we follow the teachings of Jesus, the sinful desires of the flesh do not stand a chance in deceiving us. But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires. (reference Romans 13:14)
When a person obeys Jesus consistently, his hope in Jesus keeps growing, irrespective of life situations. His trust, hope and certainty in God is high. He is led to life and peace. Those who are dominated by the sinful nature think about sinful things, but those who are controlled by the Holy Spirit think about things that please the Spirit. 6 So letting your sinful nature control your mind leads to death. But letting the Spirit control your mind leads to life and peace. For the sinful nature is always hostile to God. It never did obey God’s laws, and it never will. (reference Romans 8:5-7)
